Cork man headbutted victim for 'skipping the queue' after Christmas party
Detective Sergeant Pat Lyons outlined this evidence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court where Cathal Lyons, aged 28, of Clonpriest East, Youghal, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to the other man during a social event at Rochestown Park Hotel.
A number of different companies were out for a joint Christmas party dinner dance back on December 16, 2023. People who were staying in the hotel that night were in a queue to get to the residents-only part of the hotel after the event when the altercation occurred.
Det Sgt Lyons said the injured party was called forward in the queue by a number of his friends who were ahead of him but Mr Lyons reacted to what he saw as 'skipping the queue'. He headbutted the other man, caught him in a headlock and bit one of his fingers.
When identified on CCTV and questioned, the defendant had no recollection, no explanation and could only apologise unreservedly for entirely out-of-character behaviour.
Judge Sinead Behan imposed a one-year suspended sentence, noting that alcohol played a huge role in what occurred, he paid €5,000 compensation to the injured party and has given up drink since the incident occurred.
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